Breezy chemistry carries this commitment-phobia tale until the second half stalls.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Shuddh Desi Romance is moderately positive, with most reviewers appreciating its unconventional, non-formulaic approach to romantic relationships and its willingness to explore themes of commitment-phobia among urban youth. The natural, conversational chemistry between the lead actors and the film's refreshingly realistic tone were frequently highlighted as strengths. However, a recurring criticism across multiple reviews is that the second half loses momentum, becoming repetitive or directionless, with some critics also finding the narrative too superficial or the emotional stakes insufficiently developed. The film is generally recommended for younger, urban audiences, with caveats about its uneven pacing and inconclusive resolution.
4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 21 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
Shuddh Desi Romance loses steam in the second half — it's almost as if, suddenly, Manish and Jaideep didn't know where to take their story and characters. Also, I'm old school, so the ending left me dissatisfied. But that doesn't take away from what has been accomplished here. This film is a dose of adrenalin.
Top critic
Film review ·
To a large extent, Shuddh Desi Romance reinvents the wheel as far as Bollywood rom-coms go. It's aggressively non-formulaic, and gives us characters who refuse to conform. The minor hiccups notwithstanding, this is a charming little film. I'm going with three-and-a-half out of five. You'll enjoy it.
Top critic
Film review ·
Unsolicited suggestion: Don't miss it for Ms Chopra and for the feisty first half. Post-break, you can catch 40, even 400 winks in your seat.
Top critic
Film review ·
The nicest part of this romcom, which triangulates girl-boy-girl in a manner Bollywood is just waking up to, is that it lets its characters talk. Like, you know, real conversations, where faces are turned to each other, where the baat-cheet between a girl and guy moves from checking-each-other-for-size -banter to will-our-noses-fit-if-we-kiss to can't-keep-our-hands-off-each-other level.
Film review ·
SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE caters to the youth and reflects the mindset of a chunk of the youth these days. The film, which speaks a different lingo, is a gutsy attempt that defies the stereotype. Told in an entertaining format, it is sure to strike a chord with not just the youngsters, but also with those who love shudh [unchartered, in this case] storylines. Refreshingly different, give this one a chance. Recommended!
Film review ·
In a nutshell, Shuddh Desi Romance is a cinematic delight that's very difficult to explain and should better be consumed with patience and an open mind. Those who are stuck in the Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge kind of idealistic romance or looking for a mushy picture-perfect ending may not quite like this unconventional tale. But for those who are keen to see the evolving face of our very own and highly complex shuddh desi romance – as it is and absolutely unadulterated – cannot afford to miss this one!
Film review ·
Captures the confused attitude of today`s youth towards love and commitment, Bollywood style!
Film review ·
... a welcome change for the cynics amongst us who find typical romances like DDLJ filmy and unreal. The blossoming chemistry of its lead actors is a swell, but mostly this is a film that encapsulates the lives of ordinary people who perennially live in the fear of commitment and yet dare to take the leap for love every time! Call us confused, but atleast we are honest and don't foster any sham! I am going with a 3.5/5 for this imaginative and luscious feat.
Film review ·
Shuddh Desi Romance conveys a simple but underrated philosophy in the most fun way possible
Film review ·
This is the best performance by an actress I've seen in 2013. For her savoir faire and many other good things, you should pay a visit to this Shuddh Desi Romance.
Film review ·
Refreshing, light, breezy and engaging, SDR will appeal to those who want a realistic take on love and is miles away from the usual patented formula.
Film review ·
It's a hint at alternate couple partnerships like live-ins. Of how the youth just doesn't want to conform to wedding, settling down etc. And that's why SDR works. It plays out part fantasy and part reality. And it does so with the right amount of repartee.
Film review ·
Should you watch Shuddh Desi Romance? Yes. It's light, it's unconventional, it's still Bollywood, and it breaks the fourth wall in more ways than one. Ignore the hiccups, and there's no reason you won't enjoy it.
Film review ·
Maneesh Sharma's 'SDR' has a 'Band Bajaa Baraat' blend, but the essence lies in the conversational chemistry between the characters, some beautifully captured moments and slice-of-life scenes. He doesn't play safe, which is good, but the second half seems repetitive. The concept is engaging, but the plot is little shudd, little desi and quite confused.
Film review ·
...the film forays into an unexplored grey area in most romantic relationships but it doesn't really delve deeper. The protagonists never seem completely convinced about their feelings and may be that was intentional. How sure are we really of our emotions in a relationship? They tend to change over time. But then are modern relationships bereft of any kind of responsibility? Surely there has to be some accountability somewhere.
Film review ·
Although not as good as 'Band Baaja Baarat' and 'Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl', Maneesh Sharma's third directorial venture is jhataak, peppy and colourful but still turns out only to be a onetime watch!
Film review ·
Shuddh Desi Romance is just not worth it. The movie is very superficial and casual on the whole, and dissapoints big time. Even the so-called love and emotions portrayed between the couples in the movie, doesn't look passionate and genuine enough to endure.
Film review ·
Unfortunately, Maneesh's rather indulgent narrative treads on a thin line, and is unable to hold our attention for long
Film review ·
Shuddh Desi Romance is basically the Indian interpretation of Julia Roberts's Runaway Bride. The stories are different but the central idea is the same: what happens when someone loves falling in love but panics at the idea of getting married?
Film review ·
Shuddh Desi Romance will meet with a mixed response. While the youth and the city audience will enjoy the unusual drama, the more orthodox and small-town audience will find it too different and bold for their liking. In commercial terms, the moderately-priced film will prove to be a comfortable earner on the strength of the youth patronage and business in the cities and multiplexes.
Film review ·
A dopey B-town love story. It's best thing is the kitschy art direction
From our readers
6 ratings · user score 6.7
How much you will like or not like Shuddh Desi Romance largely depends on which side you are? Marriage or no marriage. I am not going to take any side because it's a movie not documentary. There are crazy characters and crazier situations. Beautifully filmed completely in Pinkcity Jaipur, written with fire-cracking dialogs, narrated smoothly however not consistently and acted strongly by Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra and Rishi Kapoor. Vani Kapoor comes just good enough in her short role.Sushant is charming and gains your sympathy despite being insane. Parineeti gains the points on being spontaneous and emotionally cracking. Rishi Kapoor is excellent and hilarious. Movie travels smoothly until its last half an hour struggles to wrap up the things and conclusion does not come shining enough. Love it or hate it but you won't be able to ignore it.
Romance has undergone a sea of change over the years & even our films have showcased this aspect except for maybe Rajshri Productions which still clings onto the pre-historic romantic sagas. Actually in recent years, there has been quite a number of films which has focussed on romance in small towns such as "Band Baaja Baraat", "Raanjhanna" etc. The latest to join this genre is "Shuddh Desi Romance", whose promos looked pretty promising. So does it live upto it's promise??? Raghu Ram (Sushant Singh) is a tourist guide in Jaipur who also earns extra bucks helping out Goyal (Rishi Kapoor), a wedding planner courtesy impersonating as baraati. Finally, the day arrives when Raghu has to tie the knot & on the way to the bride's place he befriends Gayathri (Parineeti Chopra) who had been entrusted by Goyal to pose as Raghu's sister. Just as the imminent time approaches, he develops cold feet & absconds from the wedding pavilion. A couple of weeks later he meets up with Gayathri & before long they indulge in a live in relationship. Soon they decide to solemnize their relation , but on the jotted day, Gayathri bolts leaving Raghu stranded. It is at this juncture that he meets up with Tara (Vaani Kapoor), the female whom he had left stranded at the altar. Hmm... so will they land up at the altar a second time??? After having impressed one & all with "Band Baaja Baraat", Maneesh Sharma has come up with a pretty different take on relationship & would I say a more realistic approach in his latest venture. Maneesh has captured the essence of Jaipur with all its hustle-bustle & he has been well supported by Jaideep Sahni's script. The storyline is no doubt entertaining without raising eye-brows about live in relationship but I kinda found some of the sequences repetitive coupled with a lame climax. Sachin Jigar's sound tracks were good along with the vibrant visuals of Manu Anand. Actually what made the film all the more enjoyable were the impressive performances of the three protagonists. After a praise worthy debut in "Kai Po Che", Sushant has rendered an impressive performance while Parineeti Chopra seems to be growing in stature with each passing movie & in due time might pose a threat to her famous cousin, Priyanka. Inspite of being a debutant, Vaani Kapoor has performed confidently & doesnt seem to be over-rawed by the camera. Just as wine gets better with time, so does Rishi Kapoor as he was fantastic as the wedding planner. Verdict: Thanks to the lively promos, the film will get an impressive opening & will thump "Zanjeer" at the box-office. I wont term it as ground breaking but it's definitely different & makes for an entertaining watch. So give it a try!!! Rating: 3.25/5 Regards...Ben
Shuddh Desi Romance which is a truely up-standard, masterclass romance which celebrates the unusal extents a love story can twist itself to just like Yash Chopra's very own, Silsila did. But I find this one a better journey, because despite being packed with the kuta hua masalas (of Jaipur), it has relatable scenes from any new couple's lives. It has real conversations- between the characters and characters and between the characters and the audience. It has got the performances of Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra and a good-looking Vaani Kapoor. A romantic comedy narrated with stringing, high brush-strokes..
Credits
Hindi films like Shuddh Desi Romance
Ladies vs Ricky Bahl
2011
Band Baaja Baaraat
2010
Love Aaj Kal
2009
Hasee Toh Phasee
2014
Ishaqzaade
2012
Student of the Year
2012
Daawat-e-Ishq
2014
Befikre
2016
Meri Pyaari Bindu
2017
Kedarnath
2018
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
